Five Health Myths Debunked

Jul 26

Too many eggs are bad for your heart. Green mucus means you have an infection. You need to drink eight glasses of water a day. Being cold will give you a cold.

Guess what? These notions about the human body may sound convincing, but they may be inaccurate or incorrect. It’s time to put an end to these alluring myths, misconceptions, and inaccuracies passed down through the ages. We’ve rounded up some of the most popular health “facts” that we’ve heard, and will tell you truth about them below:

Drink 8 Glasses of Water a Day: There really is no need to count cups. Research shows people who gulp a glass of water when they’re thirsty get enough to stay healthy and hydrated. Water-rich foods like soup, fruit, and vegetables and drinks like juice, tea, and coffee all help you get your fill. You may need to drink more water, however, if your urine is dark yellow, you don’t go regularly, you’re very active, or you live in a hot climate.

Eggs Are Bad for Your Heart: Sunny-side up egg lovers, rejoice. Eating an egg or two a day doesn’t raise the risk of heart disease in healthy people. Although the yolks have cholesterol, for most of us, the amount found in any one food isn’t as bad for you as the mix of fats from everything you eat. What’s more, eggs have nutrients, like omega-3s, that may lower the risk of heart disease.

Being Cold Gives You a Cold: No matter what your mom might’ve told you, spending too much time in the cold air doesn’t make you sick. In fact, one study found that healthy men who spent several hours in temperatures just above freezing had an increase in healthy, virus-fighting activity in their immune systems. People are actually more likely to get sick indoors, where germs are easily passed.

Green Mucus Means Infection: The contents of your tissue can’t take the place of a lab test. Studies show that green or yellow mucus is slightly more common in certain bacterial infections. But it’s not a sure sign that you have one or that you need antibiotics. A sinus infection can cause clear mucus, and a common cold can turn it green.

A Toilet Seat Can Make You Sick: Don’t stress if you can’t cover the seat. Toilet seats are usually pretty clean — it’s bathroom doors, door handles, and floors that tend to be covered with bugs like E. coli, norovirus (a.k.a. “stomach flu”), and the flu. Try to cover your hand with a paper towel before you touch doors or handles, and use hand sanitizer or wash afterward.

Welcome to Prosperity Internal Medicine, where our focus is quality care with a personal touch! Dr. Zahir and Dr. Mir are recognized as TOP Doctors throughout the Northern Virginia region and appear as medical experts on the TOP Doctors Medical Interviews which can be seen on CNN, FOX News, Bravo, and MSNBC. We are conveniently located in Reston, VA.